But when the blast of war blows in our ears, then imitate the action of the tiger; stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, disguise fair nature with hard-favor’d rage.” ― William Shakespeare, Henry V
Sometimes faith alone is what’s called for, as in, “Stand still and see the salvation of God.” Other times, it’s about faith and fighting, as in “Conquer the inhabitants; possess the land.” We’d best be ready for both.
I’m sure this is true in all areas of life, but doubly true for the believer wanting to keep it clean. Shedding an ongoing, deeply ingrained sin pattern calls for increased faith plus a call to battle, so ‘No Fighting’ just isn’t allowed.
Not because God can’t fight our battles for us, and without us. In fact, that’s largely what He does, even when we’re deeply involved. So when King Jehoshaphat is commanded to march his troops out to face Ammon and Moab, he’s reminded “The battle is not yours, but God’s.” (II Chronicles 20:15)
Paul likewise reminds the Corinthians that when God’s purposes are worked out in people, credit goes “not to him who willed or ran, but to God who showed mercy.” (Romans 9:16)
God allows us to be part of what He does, thought in the end, He’s clearly the one who really does it.
Still, faith and fighting are mandates we’re not exempted from just because the battle could easily be won without us. If you’re serious about your growth, you’ll embrace both.
First the Faith
When Israel got to the border of Canaan, they had a crisis of unbelief, a sin costing them nothing less than entry into the Promised Land.
Historically, we know that when they heard about the giants inhabiting land God had already guaranteed them, they freaked. (Numbers 14: 3-4) The prospect of facing the giants was too much; they said they’d rather go back to Egypt than deal with the challenges Canaan required. And from writings centuries later, we know that unbelief cost them everything they’d left Egypt for, a warning the author of Hebrews said we’d best take to heart. (Hebrews 3:19)
To enter into an abundant, Spirit-filled life, I have to shed any doubts that God wants exactly such a life for me. And on this point I hope we’ll consider how it feels when you make promise something great, only to be doubted as to whether or not you’ll really deliver.
I can see why He got mad. It was awfully insulting to His character and attributes to think He wouldn’t give them what they needed in order to possess what He promised. So let’s take that to heart. When we face the day wondering whether or not Canaan can be entered, we insult as good Father who deserves credibility, rather than panic on our end when things look a little rough.
If I don’t believe He wants me inhabiting the land – walking in the light, victorious, fruit-bearing and obedient – then I’ll be less inclined to think I can. All of which makes the cliché all the more true: When we don’t believe, we don’t receive.
Then the Fight
Here’s where it gets interesting. He basically said,
“I’ll give it to you, but not without a fight. You’ll win, trust me, but you’re gonna fight the inhabitants of the land or you’ll never possess it. I could drive them out before you without you having to lift a finger, but I prefer to let you experience battle, conquest, and victory. And in the process, not only will you inherit the promise, but you yourself will have changed, hugely and beautifully.”
Like you, I’ve got my ‘druthers. Given a choice between fighting for something versus receiving it, I don’t really have to ponder. But is it really so strange to realize God wants us not only to be inheritors, but people of character as well?
We give things to our children according to their character, their general maturity evidenced in their ability to responsibly manage what they’re given. So should I expect my Heavenly Father to dump wonderful things on me without my having the refining experience of battle? The striving, the mortifying of the flash, the patient waiting, refusal to give into temptations that buffet me like relentless salesmen – these aren’t just skirmishes. They’re classes I need to complete before graduation; chisels fashioning me into someone who can (amazingly) steward the Promised Land my battles will bring me into.
And for that, perhaps through gritted teeth, I thank Him. Because I know what a calamity a man possessing much blessing but little character can make of himself and everyone around him.
I don’t like fighting. I’d rather pass on the warfare thing. I want to say I’m too peaceful for it, but I have to say I’m too lazy for it. But I’m still enlisting, because the battles I’m fighting today are making me a better participant in whatever My Father’s Business may be tomorrow.
The World, Flesh, and Devil are right in front of me. Canaan’s right behind them. And I’m fully equipped, whether I know it or not, to plow through the first three to get to the fourth.
So ready, aim, get on fire.
